In order to become a member of chambers, and indeed in order to appear in court as an advocate, all barristers must undertake twelve months of in-house training known as pupillage. During the first six of those months, pupil barristers are not permitted to accept instructions and spend most of their time undertaking work for their pupil-master and observing him in action. Having successfully completed those first six months, pupil barristers may accept instructions to carry out work in their own right.

The Irish Times has heard numerous credible tales of solicitors charging what appear to be arbitrary (and huge) amounts, refusing to progress wills, of leaving cases idle for months and, when cases are concluded and fees paid, taking a further slice off awards paid to plaintiffs.